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Aging & Adult Services

Facts About Teens & Suicide

What’s the problem?

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youths. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center found that almost 1 in 5 teens had thought about suicide, about 1 in 6 had made plans for suicide, and more than 1 in 12 had attempted suicide in the last year. About 8 of 10 teens who complete suicide ask for help before attempting suicide.

What are the key risk factors of suicide?

These are factors commonly found among suicidal youths (absence does not mean no risk).

History of suicide attempts

Criminal justice problems

Abuse, violence, trauma, loss

Chronic illness, disability

Family relationship problems

White male; Latina teen

Depression, other mental illness

Access to firearms

Humiliation, shame, victimization

Low self-esteem

Alcohol use

Poor coping/problem-solving skills

What are some important protective factors?

These are factors that may help deter suicidal behavior (presence does not mean no risk).

Strong parental/family ties

Strong sense of self-worth

Optimism, resilience

Willingness to seek help

Emotional stability (not impulsive)

Religiosity, spirituality

What are the warning signs of suicide?

In Montgomery County call 1-888-345-7414 (Children’s Crisis Support Service) or a mental health
or medical provider if you encounter any of these behaviors in a young person (17 or under):

Hopelessness, burdensomeness

Rage, anger, revenge, recklessness

Feeling trapped, helplessness

Increasing alcohol and/or drug use

Withdrawal from family, friends, activities

Anxiety, agitation, sleep problems

Dramatic mood changes

No reason for living

What are the danger signs of suicide?

Immediately call 9-1-1 or 610-279-6100 (or 1-800-273-TALK if out of area) if you encounter:

Someone threatening to hurt or kill herself or himself

Someone looking for ways to take her or his life (i.e., a gun, pills, other lethal means)

Someone talking, writing, or drawing about death, dying, or suicide

What can you do to help prevent suicide?

Never agree to keep a friend’s suicidal feelings a secret.

Don’t try to handle a friend’s crisis alone – get adult help.

Make sure that all family members know the warning and danger signs and what to do.

Remove firearms and unused prescription/non-prescription meds from the home.

If you or someone you know is thinking
about suicide, please call (610)279-6100